PTSD Service Dog Tasks FAQs

The course covers the step by step process for training 4 service dog tasks frequently needed for service dogs helping people with PTSD. The course outline:

1. Essential Vocabulary and Task Overview
   1. Discussion of terms including service dog, therapy dog, emotional support animals and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
   2. Review important distinctions between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals.
   3. Review ways service dogs are trained to help people with PTSD and the tasks these dogs perform.
2. Training an Anxiety Alert
   1. Step by step process using clicker training
   2. Alternative alerts
   3. Caveats and challenges
3. Training Nightmare Interruption
   1. Step by step process using clicker training
   2. Alternative interruption behaviors
   3. Caveats and challenges
   4. Response tasks
4. Training Making Space
   1. Controversial tasks
   2. Step by step process using clicker training via targeting and also luring
   3. Caveats and challenges
5. Training Deep Pressure Therapy
   1. Step by step process using several different clicker training strategies
   2. Caveats and challenges
   3. Awareness and mitigating dog’s stress
   4. Alternative options

You can take this online course on your laptop, pad or smartphone. When you sign up, you will receive an email to log in. It is very user friendly and straight forward! The course includes a combination of video presentations, training demonstrations, written materials and links to relevant websites. The last lesson includes an “open book” quiz (needed if you would like CEUs) which you can take multiple times.

This course can be completed in about 4 hours. However, you have access to the course for a full 90 days. Handouts are included in PDF form so you can print and refer back to them for your personal use.

You will need to be comfortable using a computer, the internet and email. You will need access to an internet connection.

No, the PTSD Service Dog Tasks course does not lead to a certification. This course is for professional dog trainers interested in learning how to train specific service dog tasks that are often needed by people who have PTSD.

Dog trainers interested in the Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach™ certification need to apply to the Cooperative Paws SDC® program.

No, this course is not a prerequisite for the SDC certification. However, some trainers may choose to enroll in this course before applying for the SDC certification in order to familiarize themselves with our educational programs and training approach.